Stop Porpoise Mutilation.

"We, the undersigned, urge the Dutch authorities to start a thorough
investigation to ensure those responsible for these crimes are brought
to justice. "
An increasing number of mutilated carcasses of Harbor Porpoises, on average 1.50 meters in length, have stranded in recent months on beaches at Texel, an island north east of the Dutch mainland.According to Just van den Broek, director at the marine protection centre Ecomare, the killings of the animals found in recent months
can be contributed to fishing vessels which operated along the
Dutch coast over the winter period.
It is a worrying development that fishermen kill and cut the
porpoises out of their nets, instead of cutting the nets around the
animals to free them from being trapped. However, it is nothing new
that those operating fishing vessels will often choose the cheaper
and easier methods of getting rid off so called 'by catch' in order
to protect their investments and profits. Many, if not all, will
escape prosecution as authorities are reluctant to enforce the
appropriate laws and regulations which are supposed to protect the
sea mammals.
In the last 3 months over 100 killed Harbor Porpoises have stranded
on Dutch beaches, compared to a total of 46 in all of 2008. About
half of those found were cut up and/or had been mutilated. Some
reports say carcasses had the intestines cut out, apparently in an
effort to make them sink to the bottom of the sea quicker and hide
the evidence of the illegal practices.
The Royal Netherlands Institute For Sea Research (NIOZ) has
corresponded with the Dutch Minister for Fisheries and the
Environment about the situation, and some of the Dutch press has
covered the illegal practices but it is clear that an alarming
situation as this needs a quick and concise response in order to
put a stop to it. International agreements as well as Dutch law
give clear opportunities for prosecution of those responsible.
Dutch authorities have said they are taking this issue serious.
Nevertheless, activists from different organisations will continue
to monitor this situation and investigate further where needed to
ensure these beautiful yet unfortunate creatures will get the
justice they deserve.
Please view related page at the
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society website at:
http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/news-090316-3.html